Military looms large in Kerchner's future

Ramona, CA_11/25/2013_Ramona high school football player Travis Kerchner has offers to play football for Navy, Army and the Air Force. Photo by John Gastaldo/U-T San Diego/Mandatory Credit: John Gastaldo/U-T San Diego/Zuma Press
— John Gastaldo

Ramona, CA_11/25/2013_Ramona high school football player Travis Kerchner has offers to play football for Navy, Army and the Air Force. Photo by John Gastaldo/U-T San Diego/Mandatory Credit: John Gastaldo/U-T San Diego/Zuma Press
— John Gastaldo

"He was a guy we had to account for," said Oceanside coach John Carroll, the one team to beat Ramona this season. "He's a really good player, very active."

It's that activity that has the college recruiters scratching their heads.

"A lot of colleges - teams like Cal, San Diego State - really like Travis, but they aren't sure what he is," said Ramona coach Damon Baldwin, an offensive lineman at san Diego State, who went on to play professionally in NFL Europe and the World League.

"He has had a phenomenal season. He's one of the best linebackers in the county.

"He's fast, runs 4.6 in the 40. And he's quick.

"But the colleges aren't sure if he'll stretch out to 6-3, 220 and be a linebacker or will he stay the same size and be a free safety.

"The service academies aren't looking for huge guys. They're looking for football players.

"So that might be his best option."

Kerchner realizes it's a great option.

With a 4.2 GPA this semester and 3.8 overall while taking at least two AP classes a semester since since sophomore year, Kerchner has the grades to qualify for the academies.

He also has a military background. His father, Scott, spent 30 years in the Marines most of those flying helicopters.

The family has lived in Arizona, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and Virginia before settling in California.

Steve Kerchner was stationed at Camp Pendleton and Mira Mar before moving to his family to Ramona, finally retiring as a colonel.

"Living in Ramona has been awesome," Travis Kerchner said. "This a tight community, a special place.

"I've known 90 percent of my teammates since fourth grade.

"With Coach Baldwin's background, our football team is run like a college program. We're pushed and pushed hard. We're held accountable.